With internet sites like Craigslist and other social media sites increasingly being used for buying and selling, opportunities for scammers and other criminals also increases. The Melbourne Police Department would like to remind those who utilize these sites to keep their safety a priority.

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – Probationary Officer Mike Heindl and Field Training Officer Mike Sampieri were congratulated recently for doing a great job on an interesting theft case.

According to the victims, they loaned a small boat motor to a “friend” who then sold it on Craigslist for an undisclosed amount of money.

The officers were able to hunt down the ad and then work with the victims to get the item back and to place the suspect under arrest for dealing in stolen property.

This is a great reminder to be careful on what you buy from people off the internet.

Here are a few safety tips:

With internet sites like Craigslist and other social media sites increasingly being used for buying and selling, opportunities for scammers and other criminals also increases.